Flexible working most sought after benefit

More than half (55%) of respondents rate flexible working hours as the benefit they would most like to receive from their employer, according to research by financial services firm Engage Mutual.

The Employee benefits study, which polled 1,254 working adults, found that 38% of respondents do not receive any workplace benefits, while 9% said they would turn down a job if they were not offered any benefits in addition to salary.

The research also found:

54% of respondents would like their employer to contribute to a pension scheme.

37% of respondents would like to have money towards everyday healthcare costs.

35% of respondents would like to have free parking and contribution towards travel costs.

27% would like to have free meals and soft drinks during working hours.

David Castling, commercial sales manager at Engage Mutual, said: “Employees are placing more value on workplace benefits that are so sought-after. Some employees admit they would even turn down a job if they weren’t provided.

“However, with budgets becoming increasingly tight, it is understandable that many employers are not offering even the most cost-effective benefits.

“Understanding which perks employees value the most can also help to shape a benefit strategy and our study has found that introducing certain benefits can be simple and hugely appealing.”